Tools and Talk: Four Ways to Support Dialogue and Classroom Improvement
School-based specialists, principals, assistant principals, and central office school leaders often need simple, data-gathering devices to ignite and sustain classroom and school improvement. The results of these tools can then be shared and deliberated in effective, "side-by-side" exchanges with teachers which invariably result in teacher-committed changes in instructional practices. Experience four of these non-evaluative tools, dialogue about their uses, practice using them, and plan how "tools and talk" can be the key to promote and sustain teacher-owned classroom excellence!

The Neurobiology of Girls and Boys and the Effects on their Behavior and Learning
The last five years have provided an onslaught of knowledge about the functioning of the human brain, confirming some long-standing theories and totally disproving others. Although boys and girls are more alike than different from the neck down; once the brain is asked to work, we know that their brains are wired quite differently! Learn these differences, see how these brain differences lead boys and girls to vary in the way they approach almost everything — from socializing, to communicating, to problem solving, and to learning!

Reculturing Schools for Adult and Student Achievement
Each of us is empowered when we operate with an awareness of individual culture and knowledge of how culture influences our beliefs and actions. This reflection and management of culture are critical to scaffolding our preferred futures. In addition, schools reflect specific cultures based on school structures, leadership, and teaching and learning processes. School cultures are often strong and are under girded by spoken and unspoken beliefs about learning, children, and the community. Learn what you need to know and do about reculturing learning environments to maximize learning for all. Candidly look at structures and practices that either impede or promote equitable learning. See classroom-level methods that are tied to students’ cultural experiences, engagement, and relationship building.

Digging Deeper into Differentiation
Differentiated instruction is commonly discussed; yet practical classroom examples of differentiation often focus on superficial implementation and yield limited impact on students. If you already have a grasp of differentiation but want to engage in a more profound exploration, this session is for you. Dig deeper into differentiation, observe teacher examples of differentiation, and develop a more profound understanding of the complexities of differentiation and its promise for meeting the needs of all students.

Beyond Survival: Learning from Thriving Teachers and Their Diverse Students
What does it take for teachers to move beyond surviving to persist and thrive in the profession? How do these thriving teachers engage their students to succeed right along with them? Glimpse into the lives of these thriving teachers to learn how they flourish in diverse circumstances. Witness how these teachers develop the same kind of persistence and success in their students who vary in ability, race, and background.

Constructing Successful Classrooms
Relationships + Powerful Teaching = Student Engagement! This overview module puts forth our theory that strong relationships with students, combined with effective, responsive teaching, will yield student success. Learn the basics of brain-based teaching, how to enhance your curriculum, and ways to design well-managed communities of learning in your classrooms. Leave with lots of ideas that can be immediately implemented!

Bringing Your Brain to School
In effective brain-based classrooms, teachers pay attention to five major elements. Learn these five elements and see the components of each. Discover ways to prepare the learner and the environment, discuss brain-based instructional strategies, and learn ways to improve student memory and retention. Hook your kids into learning by connecting with their brains!

R-E-S-P-E-C-T: Building Strong Behavior Management in the Classrooms
Classroom out of control? Frustrated with issues of student management and loss of instructional time? Delve into the idea of building respectful, well-managed classroom communities. See how to create a sense of belonging and build relationships among students. Understand the importance of expectations and procedures and the impact they have on the learner and learning environment when they are established, taught, and practiced from the first day of class. Have it all — well-managed, engaged, successful students!